Frequently Asked Questions

Well drilling can be intimidating for homeowners. It’s best to partner with a quality well driller to help guide you through the process and answer your questions. Here are some basics you need to know before putting in a water well.

How much does well drilling cost?

The costs of well drilling and installation of a water system varies due to the inability to predict the depth of the well and yield of water. Most residential wells, including the well pump and equipment, cost between $6,000 and $12,000. Municipal, agricultural and industrial water systems can cost much more.

Do I need a permit for my well?

Residential well permitting is required by some counties in Georgia. If a permit is required by your county, the property owner must obtain the permit before well drilling can begin. High capacity wells (with withdrawls greater than 100,000 gallons per day) and public water supply wells require permits from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.

How long does it take to drill a well?

Most wells can be drilled in one to two days.

Where should I locate a water well?

A well should be a minimum 100 feet from any septic system and allow easy site access for drilling equipment. Oconee Well Driller will conduct a site visit with the property owner to determine the best drilling site.

How deep should a well be?

The typical water well in Northeast Georgia is between 200 to 800 feet deep. However, well depth is highly variable from site to site, and cannot be predicted before drilling the well.

Is there a guarantee a well will give me water?

There is not a guarantee a well will give you water. The amount of water your well produces is highly variable and cannot be predicted before drilling a well.

How much water should I expect from my well?

Wells in Northeast Georgia typically yield two to 100 gallons per minute. In some cases, yields as high as 300 gallons per minute have been achieved. On the other hand, approximately 5 to 10 percent of all wells drilled in Northeast Georgia will produce less than two gallons per minute. As with depth, the amount of water your well produces is highly variable and cannot be predicted before drilling a well.

What kind of water quality can I expect from a well?

Generally, the water quality of wells in Northeast Georgia meet primary drinking water standards. However, we recommend well water testing annually for contaminants. Oconee Well Drillers can assist with any well service and water testing needed, as well as any water filtration that may be needed.

What kind of well pump do I need?

The type and size of well pump you need will is determined by the depth and yield of the well, design flow rate, system pressure needed, and other variables. Typically, submersible well pumps and motors are used. The experienced professionals at Oconee Well Drillers will ensure the water pump is designed to meet your needs.

How often should I test my well water?

Well testing should be performed annually to ensure your well maintains proper water quality. Oconee Well Drillers provides water testing and well service.

Does using a well contribute to a drought?

Using a well does not contribute to a drought. Groundwater supplies in Northeast Georgia are very stable and are not measurably affected by cyclical rainfall totals.

Are wells good for the environment?

Groundwater wells do not harm the environment. In fact, wells reduce reliance on lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs which are directly impacted by drought conditions.

Are well drillers required to have a license?

Yes, water well drillers and contractors in Georgia are required to obtain a license from the Water Well Standards Advisory Council under the Water Well Standards Act administered by the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division. You should ensure any contractor you are considering is licensed by the state of Georgia.